San Diego Officials Rally Against SDG&E's $22 Monthly Bill Hike
A coalition of county supervisors and residents argues the 8.6% residential rate increase will burden families already facing high housing costs.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
San Diego County leaders gathered at a utility headquarters on Monday to reject a proposed 8.6% rate hike for residential customers.
The protest followed months of rising energy costs that local officials argue have outpaced household budgets. Public advocate Shane Harris, who organized the event, joined San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, city council members, and school board members in signing a formal letter of opposition. The group stood outside the facility where SDG&E makes rate decisions, demanding the utility reconsider the increase before it reaches regulators.
Harris criticized the current pricing structure in front of the crowd. "SDG&E, the gas and electric is too damn high, and enough is enough," he said. The coalition emphasized that the proposed rates would land on residents who are already paying among the highest housing costs in the nation. Harris noted that families are simultaneously facing higher prices for groceries, insurance, and childcare, leaving little room for increased utility bills.
Residents speaking at the rally described the financial strain of the current system. Mike Rodriguez, a local resident, explained that his family struggles to keep up with rent and other essential payments. "I cannot afford it, I got kids, I got family, and there's a lot of people I see struggling sometimes we can't afford paying the bill we get behind because all these bills, we pay rent, I pay real high rent," Rodriguez said.
SDG&E estimates the increase would add roughly $14 per month to electricity bills and $8 per month to natural gas charges for a typical customer. That totals approximately $22 in additional monthly costs if the proposal is approved. The utility argues the raise is necessary to cover essential operating expenses. A spokesperson acknowledged customer concerns about affordability in a written statement. "We know our customers are concerned about affordability, and we take those concerns very seriously. We're focused on controlling our costs, operating more efficiently, and finding ways to help keep customer bills as manageable as possible, while continuing to provide safe, reliable energy," the spokesperson said.
The California Public Utilities Commission will review the proposal next. The agency holds the final authority to approve or deny the rate increase. SDG&E must demonstrate that the new rates are fair and reasonable during this review process.
